Sex workers. Credit: Refuge Network International
Several Nigerians recently rescued from trafficking syndicates in Côte d’Ivoire have recounted how they were deceived with promises of lucrative employment, only to end up in captivity and forced into commercial sex work.
The survivors, identified as Monica, 17; Juliet, 18; Rejoice, 25; Joy, 22; and Monica Tamah, 38, said traffickers exploited their desperation for better economic opportunities before transporting them to the neighbouring West African country.
The victims were rescued in a joint operation involving the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, authorities in Côte d’Ivoire and the Global Anti-Human Trafficking Organisation.
In a statement obtained by PUNCH Metro on Thursday, the founder of GAHTO, Prosper Michael, was quoted as saying that the operation followed months of exploitation and abuse suffered by the victims.
